Next Start Dates
-
Course Based
Courses with a set schedule
April 10, 2023
Transfer Credits
Up to 43 Credits
Explore our PhD in Education Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy specialization
In the Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy (Non-Licensure) specialization, you will critically review the latest research to understand the complex family, cultural, societal, and developmental influences that affect child development and learning. Coursework covers topics such as child development, family partnerships, content knowledge, leadership, advocacy, social change, and professionalism. This program utilizes case studies and innovative technology, which provides you the opportunity to examine the quality of early childhood programs and policies, research and present strategies to promote positive outcomes for young children, and evaluate the leadership characteristics necessary to be an advocate in the field.
The individual dissertation process enables you to pursue original research in an effort to promote positive social change for young children, their families, and the early childhood field as a whole.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Curriculum
Minimum Degree Requirements
- 86 quarter credits
- Foundations courses (5 cr.)
- Specialized courses (30 cr.)
- Doctoral support courses (11 cr.)
- Research courses (20 cr.)
- Doctoral capstone (minimum 20 cr.)
- Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 cr.)
- Four PhD residencies to equal a minimum of 16 units
Walden students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the Chief Academic Officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and Fees
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 66 quarter credits | $730 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $48,180^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20–120† quarter credits | $730 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $14,600–$87,600* | |
| Technology Fee | $170 per quarter | $2,040–$5,440* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) |
$5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $70,500 | $147,300*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 3-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A master's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Specialization Learning Outcomes
In addition to the core program learning outcomes, graduates of this specialization will be prepared to:
- Evaluate practices, programs, and policies in the areas of child development and learning.
- Engage in effective leadership practices to advocate for positive outcomes for young children and families.
- Evaluate responsible assessment practices to support healthy development and positive learning outcomes for young children.
- Demonstrate cultural responsiveness in interactions with children, families, community members, and early childhood professionals.
- Integrate professional resources to inform solutions to problems in early childhood.
- Synthesize a variety of perspectives to promote professional growth and positive social change in the early childhood field.
- Design research to address educational problems and contribute to the profession.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct research that positively impacts social change.
Compare Walden’s Doctoral Education Programs
Walden offers both an EdD and PhD in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood to meet your career goals. View the chart to help you determine which program is right for you.
Testimonials
I am passionate about advancing the field of education by ensuring that every student receives high-quality teaching, particularly in higher education.
When I go to our state Senate for hearings, having the ‘Dr.’ in front of my name will give me a deeper level of credibility.
Perseverance was the key to completing my dissertation. It was important to read and write every day.
